Indian-youth service needs kitchen help

For the past two years, Native American Connections' HomeBase Youth Services has focused on teaching at-risk and homeless children to stay healthy as they live on their own.

Native American Connections started as a safe house for Native Americans, but President and CEO Diana Yazzie-Devine said both its mission and the community it serves have expanded. HomeBase Youth Services offers transitional housing, case managers and a place for homeless youths age 18 to 21 to clean up and have meals. The program also has street outreach each night, in which employees and volunteers seek out young people living on the streets to give them food, blankets and hygiene products.

On Oct. 22, HomeBase Youth Services and HandsOn Greater Phoenix will host "Chef's Night Off at HomeBase," giving volunteers the opportunity to make and serve dinner to the homeless young adults.

How you're helping

Other ways to advocate

Children's Action Alliance

What it does: Researches the child welfare system and advocates for legislation that will benefit children and families.

How to help: Sign up for e-news and e-alerts from Children's Action Alliance to learn how to get involved with legislation. Register to vote and talk to state lawmakers about the importance of helping foster children.

What it does: Helps abused or neglected children via education, advocacy, community outreach and prevention programs.

How to help: Become a member and help with events and programs designed to raise awareness.

Contact: Judy Jensen, 323-465-4016.

Make a difference

Throughout October, we will offer readers ways to get involved, both with children already in the CPS system and with families in need. The month-long effort by The Arizona Republic leads up to Make a Difference Day on Oct. 27.